What is a futon? Is it a couch or a bed? It sounds like a simple question but some people still don’t have answers for this. This broad term makes it confusing for consumers. Relax! Here in this article, I will clear all your doubts about futons. You will also know the difference between futon and sofa bed, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Continue reading to know what is a futon in detail.
What Is A Futon?
A futon is basically a mattress that can be folded into a couch. It is one of the most ancient Japanese-style bedding that is placed on the ground or on a tatami mat. They are commonly used in smaller spaces like small apartments or studios. Following are the parts included in a futon.
- A Makura (It is a Pillow)
- A Shikibuton (it is a mattress)
- A Kakibuton (It is a comforter)
Types Of Futon
Futons can be represented in many forms. I have picked out some of them for you. Continue reading to know where they are most commonly found.
- Futon Mattress
You must know what is a futon mattress before purchase it. A futon mattress is a bendable bed with a foldable frame that allows it to be both a couch and a bed. It can be used as a couch for watching movies and a bed to sleep comfortably at night. You get futon mattresses in a variety of sizes and materials.
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- Queen Futon Mattress (about 77 to 80 inches wide)
- Full Futon Mattress (about 72 to 75 inches wide)
- Twin Futon Mattress (about 39 inches wide)
The thickness of these mattresses depends upon the materials your mattress is made of. Most of the futon mattresses are filled with reeds, horsehair, or rice straw. A layer of foam is added to sustain the rigidity of the futon. Once you know what are futon mattresses made of, choosing the right futon mattress is an easy task for you once you.
- Futon Cover
After learning about futon mattresses, you must be wondering what is a futon cover. Futon covers protect the surface of your mattress when being used as a sofa bed. These covers are a great choice for protecting your futon mattress from spills and dirt. Fulton slipcovers add years of life to your futon while keeping your living area clean.
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- Futon Chair
Everyone has heard about futon couches, but do you know what is a futon chair? A futon chair operates the same way as a futon couch. They are super comfortable to sleep on. Futon chairs do not lay flat like a regular futon. It is a great alternative to a couch or armchair. Though futon chairs come in various sizes, 28 x 54 inches is its standard size. Futon chairs are mostly filled with 100% cotton to create a firm yet flexible surface for lounging and sleeping.
- Futon Sofa Bed
A futon sofa bed is the most common type of futons available in the West. You must first know what is a futon sofa bed before buying one! Futon sofa beds can be used as a bed or can be folded up to use as a sofa. They are made up of compressed layers of materials such as organic cotton, wool, and latex.
- Futon Gripper
As you already got to know, futons help you to save space without sacrificing your comfort! But not many among you do not know what is a futon gripper. Futon’s grippers are grip pads that keep your futon mattresses intact to the futon frames. These grip pads make sure that your futon mattresses do not slide off from the futon frames. Futon grip pads are very easy to use. You can simply unfold the pad and place them between the mattress and futon frame.
- Futon Frames
Frames of futons are usually made of metal or wood. They are foldable which makes it easy to change your futon from a couch to a bed and back again to a couch! There are two types of frames available in futons.
- Wooden Frames
Solid hardwood frames like birch or maple are the best wooden frames for futons. They last longer and provide better support to you.
- Metal Frames
Many futon frames are made of silver and black metal frames. They have a sturdy foundation that will likely last longer than most wooden frames.
Difference Between Futon And Sofa Bed
Futons and Sofa Beds both are dual-purpose pieces of furniture that are multi-functional. Many people must be confused between both terms. But they significantly differ in the terms of comfort and value. You can continue to read to know the major difference between futon and sofa bed.
- In a futon bed, you get to choose the mattress you want according to your comfort level. In the Sofa bed, its seat cushions and the mattress are already fixed by the manufacturer.
- Futons are made with a metal frame that has a 90 and 180-degree transition angle. While sofa beds are made with a wooden frame.
- Futon mattresses come in various sizes from a twin to a queen size. In a sofa bed, the mattress size depends on the sofa size. They are typically found in either a full or queen size.
- You get firm, medium, and soft firmness levels in futons. Sofa beds have only one firmness level in them.
- A Futon cannot hide the fact that it is a bed. Whereas, a sofa bed completely hides the mattress under its seat cushions.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Futon
Now as we got to know the difference between futons and sofa beds. Let us take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of the futon.
Advantages Of Futons
- They are available at budget-friendly prices.
- You get a variety of mattress styles.
- Futons are portable with lightweight constructions.
- You can find all shapes and sizes of futons.
- They can easily be moved around.
Disadvantages Of Futons
- Sometimes, it may not be very comfortable to sit on.
- They become lumpy after been used for a while.
- Futons can also sink in a bit.
- Your space can look cheap because of a bendable mattress.
- Futons typically have a shorter lifespan.
Maintenance Of Futon
The main enemy of the futon is moisture! If the moisture is not released from the futon, the fibers in it begin to compress. It can further lead to the growth of dust mites. Following are the tips you need to keep in your mind to maintain your futon mattress.
- Protect your futon from moisture.
- Give your futon some sunlight.
- Rotate and flip it regularly.
FAQ
Is A Futon Comfortable To Sleep on?
Yes, futons can be comfortable to sleep on. Its firm surface keeps your spine aligned and reduces the chances of back pain. Pregnant women get most benefited from sleeping on futons.
What Is The Difference Between A Sofa Bed And A Futon?
Following are the major differences between a sofa bed and a futon.
- In a futon bed, you get to choose the mattress you want according to your comfort level. In the Sofa bed, its seat cushions and the mattress are already fixed by the manufacturer.
- Futons are made with a metal frame that has a 90 and 180-degree transition angle. While sofa beds are made with a wooden frame.
- Futon mattresses come in various sizes from a twin to a queen size. In a sofa bed, the mattress size depends on the sofa size. They are typically found in either a full or queen size.
- You get firm, medium, and soft firmness levels in futons. Sofa beds have only one firmness level in them.
- A Futon cannot hide the fact that it is a bed. Whereas, a sofa bed completely hides the mattress under its seat cushions.
What Is A Futon Bed?
A futon bed is a convertible bed with a simple thin cotton mattress. Futon sofa beds can be used as a bed or can be folded up to use as a sofa. They are made up of compressed layers of materials such as organic cotton, wool, and latex.
Is A Futon Considered A Bed?
Yes, a futon can be considered a bed. But this type of furniture also functions as a sofa that you can turn into a bed when needed.
Are Futons Good For Back Pain?
Futons are typically firmer than traditional mattresses because they are designed to be put on the floor, and so using a futon on the floor can potentially be good for you. However, as a solution to chronic or severe back pain, a futon is probably not the best idea as other mattresses can conform better to your body.
Why Do Japanese Sleep On The Floor?
By sleeping with the mat on the floor – rather than on a bed frame, as in Western culture – the Japanese believe it helps to relax the muscles, while enabling the hips, shoulders and spine to maintain a natural alignment during rest.
Are Futon Sofas Worth It?
If you live in a smaller home, a futon is an excellent choice as it serves more than one purpose, saving you both money and valuable space. If you need a room to function as a place to relax but also as an occasional guest room, a futon will do both.
Is It Healthier To Sleep On A Futon?
A firm surface helps keep the spine aligned and reduce chances of back pain every time you wake up. Moreover, even pregnant women have benefitted from sleeping on futons. The dreaded back pain was the least of their problems as a result.
Conclusion
Here, you got to know all the information about what is a futon and its pros and cons in detail. A futon is the best option if you are working in a small space. They can be easily moved around your space. You can easily fold it and use it as a couch in your office or home. The futon will last longer if you only use them occasionally. After knowing what is a futon, you can purchase an entire set of futons set with a frame and mattress.
Is sofa bed and futon the same
What is the difference between a futon and a sofa bed?
